Betamethasone

Following the news Sunday morning that last week's GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico) had tested positive for the corticosteroid betamethasone, Churchill Downs issued a statement, notably saying that it would not allow trainer Bob Baffert to enter runners at its track pending a full Kentucky Horse Racing Commission investigation. The statement read: "It is our understanding that Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit's post-race blood sample indicated a violation of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's equine medication protocols. The connections of Medina Spirit have the right to request a test...

Bob Baffert told the media Sunday morning at Churchill Downs that his stable has been informed by the Kentucky Racing Commission that GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico) tested positive for the medication betamethasone in post-race tests conducted after the Derby. In a 13-minute press conference (video) at his barn on the Churchill Downs backstretch Baffert, denied any wrongdoing. "All I can tell you is that betamethasone is an allowed therapeutic medication, but we did not give it to this horse," Baffert said. "In fact, Medina Spirit has never...